A Contemporary Cuba Reader: Reinventing the Revolution - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0742555070 ISBN 13: 9780742555075

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2007

Synopsis

Cuba has undergone dramatic changes since the collapse of European communism. The loss of economic aid and preferential trade with the Soviet Union and other Eastern bloc countries forced the Cuban government to search out new ways of organizing the domestic economy and new commercial relations in an international system dominated by market economies. The resulting economic reforms have reverberated through Cuban society and politics, recreating social inequalities unknown since the 1950s and confronting the political system with unprecedented new challenges. The resulting ferment is increasingly evident in Cuban cultural expression, and the responses to adversity and scarcity have reshaped Cuban social relations.

This anthology brings together the best recent scholarship and writing on Cuban politics, economics, foreign relations, society, and culture in the post-Soviet era, which Cubans call the "Special Period." Ideally suited for students and general readers seeking to understand contemporary Cuba, the book includes a substantive introduction setting the historical context, as well as part introductions and a chronology.

About this title

About the Author

Philip Brenner is professor of international relations and director of the Inter-Disciplinary Council on Latin America at American University. Marguerite Rose Jiménez is a graduate student in the School of International Service at American University. John M. Kirk is professor of Latin American studies at Dalhousie University. William M. LeoGrande is dean of the School of Public Affairs and professor of government at American University.

Review

This is a wonderful resource for the study, discussion, and understanding of the contemporary history of Cuba. Delving into often-ignored areas of daily and institutional experience, and opening with an admirably lucid introduction, this text will become an indispensable tool for the teaching of contemporary Cuba in the English-speaking world. (James Dunkerley)

This book is outstanding in both the breadth and depth of its coverage of Cuba today. The forty-nine contributions span the gamut of Cuban politics, economics, foreign policy, social transformation, and culture. The coeditors are to be applauded for an engaging volume that will stand the test of time. (Cynthia McClintock)

[An] excellent anthology.... These articles by various scholars examine the role of the Communist Party and the armed forces, agricultural transformation, the emergence of class divisions in the 'dollar economy,' cultural changes and various aspects of Cuban foreign policy. For readers who hope to understand contemporary Cuba and our relationship with her government and people, these essays will be highly informative. (Booklist)

This amalgamation of Cuban politics, economics, foreign policy, social issues and culture leaves even the experienced cubanologist feeling that she or he has been on an essential crash course to understand contemporary Cuba. . . . I congratulate the editors and contributors for producing an informative, well-organised and timely book. (International Journal Of Cuban Studies)

The 49 contributions to this outstanding anthology trace continuity and change during Cuba's "special period." (Foreign Affairs)

[An] excellent anthology?. These articles by various scholars examine the role of the Communist Party and the armed forces, agricultural transformation, the emergence of class divisions in the 'dollar economy,' cultural changes and various aspects of Cuban foreign policy. For readers who hope to understand contemporary Cuba and our relationship with her government and people, these essays will be highly informative.... (Booklist)

With chapters written by an international who’s who of specialists in contemporary Cuban politics, international relations, economics, culture, and society—all framed by an uncommonly useful introduction—A Contemporary Cuba Reader is among those few edited volumes that should be on every Latin Americanist’s bookshelf. Highly recommended. (Schoultz, Lars)

This comprehensive and impressive anthology traces the extraordinary transition process that took place during what Fidel Castro dubbed Cuba's 'Special Period.' . . . The stated goal of the editors is to provide undergarduates with a resource that brings together the best of Cuban scholarship, and they have certainly done that. . . . There remains so much in this book that is relevant, worthwhile and informative that it may be recommended to all students of contemporary Cuba and as an excellent core reader for any course on the same topic. (Journal Of Latin American Studies)

Edition details

• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0742555070
• ISBN 13: 9780742555075
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 413
• Editor: Brenner Phillip, Marguerite Rose Jimenez, John M. Kirk, William M. Leo Grande